The Cordes family was honored as the 2014 Farm Family of the Year at the fifth annual Salute to Agriculture. The family’s farm was selected for their farming practices, including the use of cover crops to grow blackberries. Photo by Emma Rausch

By Emma Rausch

The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce honored the Cordes family at the fifth annual Salute to Agriculture on March 24 as the 2014 Farm Family of the Year.

Locally known for growing blackberries, Kevin Cordes, his wife Peggy, son Jared, and daughter-in-law, Erica, of Cordes Farm, Inc. were nominated to receive the award for their advocacy of no-till and water conservation farming practices.

“I told Jay (Vandeburg) back when this process started in January that we never got into farming to receive any awards,” Kevin said in his acceptance speech. “We just try to do our best and do what’s right and be good stewards of the land, but we certainly do appreciate being recognized.”

Prior to presenting the family with the award, the chamber shared a video commemorating the family’s efforts, thoughts, and friend’s kind words.

“I think this honor is more so because of what my dad has accomplished and, to be a part of it, we feel very blessed,” Jared said in the short film.

Northfield’s Joe and Jon Ross Honored as part of the 25th Anniversary Basketball Team

By Bill Barrows

The 54th Induction ceremony of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame was held in Indianapolis last Wednesday evening. Longtime Northfield and Southwood coach Steve McClure attended the induction to watch two of Northfield High School’s best be inducted as part of that team.

Joe and Jon Ross, played for the Norse and Coach McClure in the late 80’s and as seniors in 1990, were named to the Indiana All-State Basketball Team along with Mr. Basketball Damon Bailey, Linc Darner, Jeff Doyle, Elliot Hatcher, Noah Haynes, Mark Hisle, Jamar Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Chris Lowery, Eric Montross, William Moore, Jr., Juda Parks, Jeermal Sylvester, Travis Trice, Matt Waddell and Ryan Yoder.

A rider makes his way across the Mississinewa Dam during the 2014 Dam to Dam bicycle ride. The 2015 ride is scheduled for Sept. 13. Photo provided

By The Paper staff

Parkview Wabash Hospital is the presenting sponsor for the 2015 Dam to Dam Wabash County Century Ride, officials with the ride’s committee have announced.

Marilyn Custer-Mitchell, CEO for Parkview Wabash Hospital, said she is thrilled to have the hospital serve as the presenting sponsor for what has become an annual destination event.

“Parkview Wabash is deep-rooted in advancing the efforts of programs and events that focus on the health and wellness of the communities we serve,” Custer-Mitchell said. “We are proud to sponsor an event that connects people with fitness, while enjoying the scenic countryside.”

During the 2014 Wabash County Fair week, the LIFE Center had an information booth like many other businesses in Wabash County. They were the booth with the adorable baby photos on display. Every year the LIFE Center holds the Precious Baby Contest as a way to raise funds for the center’s expenses.

This year, the Precious Baby Contest had 34 adorable contestants, but only one could take home the 2014 Precious Baby title. That Precious Baby was Weston Pretorius. Weston is the son of Joe and Andrea Pretorius.

Each contestant’s photo was on display throughout the week, with a number assigned that corresponds to a jar where the public can vote by putting money in the jar of the most “precious” baby. When the week was over and Pretorius was crowned Precious Baby, the center had raised $1,500, which will be used to buy supplies.

These supplies include baby items like wipes, pre-natal vitamins, and other baby items that the center offers to mothers in need.

“We are always running out of baby wipes, so we are constantly purchasing those,” Cheryl Meyer, Executive Director of the LIFE Center, told The Paper.

As the center operates through donations, they appreciate the support of the community. The LIFE Center’s next event will be their annual banquet, which will be held on Sept. 16 at the Honeywell Center, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the meal served at 6:30 p.m. Their speaker this year is Rebecca Kiessling.

Kiessling is a Pro-Life and Adoption speaker who was conceived by rape.

“She’s got an interesting story,” Meyer told The Paper. “She is now a mother of 5 and a family attorney.”

“Rebecca was adopted nearly from birth and throughout her life struggled with her value, identity, and purpose,” according to a biography of Kiessling written by the Ambassador Speakers Bureau.

She will be bringing the powerful presentation of her life story entitled “Conceived in Rape: From Worthless to Priceless”.

Tickets are currently on sale for the banquet and can be purchased at the LIFE Center.

As previewed in last week’s edition of The Paper, Smokin’ for a Cause will be held on Sept. 20 and will benefit the LIFE Center among other local non-profit organizations. This event has moved down to Paradise Spring Park this year. The smokers will be fired up in the early hours of Saturday, Sept. 20, with the public dinner service following the announcement of the winner at 5 p.m. Be sure to check it out, purchase some great food, and support the great non-profits in Wabash County.

Earlier this year, the LIFE Center held their annual golf scramble, raising just over $6,000 with 15 teams participating. The money raised from the scramble ensures the center can continue offering free ultrasounds throughout the year.

The LIFE Center is always looking for volunteers. People can volunteer as consultants or board members. There is also always a need for volunteers in their clothing room. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the LIFE Center at 260-563-7275.

The center is always accepting donations as well. If you want to donate items, they can be dropped off at the center during business hours. The LIFE Center is located at 78 W. Hill Street, and their hours are Mondays from 1-5 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the center or dropped off during business hours. The center is currently in the process of setting up a PayPal account so people can donate directly at www.wabashlife.com.

As the LIFE Center is raising funds for their supplies, they are also raising funds for a new building. They have currently raised $14,000, with their goal being $100,000. If you wish to donate to the LIFE Center building fund, be sure to earmark your donation for their building project.

For more information, check out their website, www.wabashlife.com or call the center at 260-563-7275.